Confirmed: LG is also working on a foldable smartphone
After a bunch of rumors and speculations, LG has confirmed that it's indeed working on a foldable smartphone. The confirmation came directly from the CEO of LG Mobile, Hwang Jeong-hwan, amid reports of Samsung and Huawei racing to bring foldable smartphones. However, he also indicated that it might still be a while before we catch the phone's first glimpse. Here are the details.
Plans for LG's first foldable phone
During a press conference for the release of LG V40 ThinQ smartphone, Hwang confirmed LG's plan for 5G technology and foldable smartphone. He stated the company is working with its partners to eliminate all obstacles that could come when a smartphone folds/unfolds. With that, he also stressed the company is no hurry to be the first in the world to bring foldable smartphones.
More focus on customer value
Hwang stressed LG wants to focus on providing full customer value instead of rushing to launch a product. A recent LG research suggested its customers are still not sure if shelling extra money for a foldable phone would be worth it. If that's case, the idea of waiting out might help it see how people respond to other foldable phones coming to the market.
Other players working on foldable smartphones
While LG might not be in a hurry, Samsung, Huawei, and Lenovo are racing to get their foldable offerings into the market. Samsung might unveil its foldable device - Galaxy F - next month, followed closely by Huawei, which plans to bring a foldable 5G device by mid-2019. Lenovo has also made a foldable phone and could launch it as early as next month.
LG's experience in flexible panels
When foldable phones are out, it will be interesting to see how LG responds, especially considering its expertise in the field - like Samsung. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of display panels and has long been making flexible displays, including some for its own curved offerings - LG G Flex, G Flex 2.
